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THE TRIALS OF DASUKI AND MALAMI — A STUDY IN NEMESIS: WHAT YOU DO UNTO OTHERS - By Yushau A Shuaib

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Some call it the law of karma. I prefer the older formulation: what you do unto others shall, in time, be done unto you. Nigeria’s recent political history offers few more instructive illustrations of this truth than the parallel fates of Sambo Dasuki and Abubakar Malami. Those expressing sympathy for former Attorney‑General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over his current ordeal with the EFCC and the DSS may have conveniently forgotten what befell former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki—arrested barely a day after handing over office. His story remains one of the most troubling indictments of executive overreach in Nigeria’s democratic era: a case study in how personal vendetta, political score‑settling, and institutional disregard for judicial authority can be disguised as the pursuit of justice. THE ROOTS OF BITTER FEUD The roots of the Dasuki saga run deep into Nigeria’s military past. Dasuki played a significant role in financing and fa...

Governor Yusuf Felicitates President Tinubu on 74th Birthday

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended warm birthday greetings to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on the occasion of his 74th birthday anniversary. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday. On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf described the President’s birthday as an opportunity to celebrate his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the service of the nation. The Governor commended President Tinubu for his vision and efforts towards strengthening Nigeria’s unity, stability, and socio-economic development. He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration continues to inspire confidence among Nigerians. Governor Yusuf prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the President good health, wisdom, and strength to continue steering the affairs of the c...

Governor Yusuf Storms APC National Convention in Abuja with Thousands of Supporters

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Friday led thousands of supporters to the Eagle Square, Abuja, to attend the 8th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday. The convention, held ahead of the 2027 general elections, marked a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the next political cycle. Governor Yusuf described the event as peaceful, well-organised, and a clear indication of the APC’s strength and dominance as the largest political party in Africa. He expressed confidence that the party is well-positioned for victory in the forthcoming general elections. The Governor noted that the massive turnout of party faithful and stakeholders from across the country reflects unity and renewed commitment among members. He further observed that key political figures from Kano Stat...

Gov Yusuf Commends DSS Over Rescue of Kibiya LG Scribe

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its swift and professional response leading to the successful rescue of the Administrative Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Durya, who was recently abducted. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Wednesday. The victim was abducted at his residence in Durya village, Kibiya Local Government Area, an incident that triggered immediate concern and response from security agencies across the state. Following the development, security operatives were promptly mobilised to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible for the act. In a swift and well-coordinated operation, operatives of the DSS Kano State Command successfully rescued Alhaji Hamza Durya unhurt. The operation also led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, who sustained injuries during the encounter ...

The Cap That Stopped a Boy’s Tears: Remembering Sadiq Modibbo - By Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

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Fifteen years have passed since I last held my son, Sadiq Modibbo, in my arms. Even now, the memory of his laughter and the warmth of his tiny hand remains vivid in my mind. There was something remarkable about him, a light that shone through even in moments of fear or pain. I remember the first time I realized how deeply he loved the simple things that connected him to me.  Whenever he cried, I would gently remove my cap, and just like that, his tears would stop. It was as if the gesture spoke to him in a language only he and I shared—a language of love, trust, and comfort. Sadiq was often unwell, and our visits to the hospital were frequent. Yet, despite his fragile health, he carried himself with an unusual courage. The doctors, nurses, and other caregivers grew to know him well. They would smile at his little jokes, or nod knowingly when he quieted at the sight of me. In those hospital rooms, I learned to see him not just as my son, but as a symbol of resilience. Ev...

SAKEF Partners with SEEWELL AND CARE CONSULT to Provide Free Eye Care Services in Kano

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The Saleh Adamu Kwaru Education Foundation (SAKEF), in collaboration with SEEWELL AND CARE CONSULT, has successfully conducted two rounds of free eye medical outreach programs, offering FREE Eye Medical Check-Ups and FREE Glasses to residents of Kano State.   In a statement signed by the Director of the Medical Outreach, Dr Jabeer Sale Adamu Kwaru, said the sessions were held at AR-RAYHAN International School, opposite the WAEC Office - Kano, on Saturday–Sunday, 21st–22nd February 2026, and Friday–Sunday, 6th–8th March 2026. Over the course of five days, 1,115 individuals received medical attention. Of these, over 1,000 pairs of corrective glasses were distributed, while several participants were referred for further specialized care.   The initiative was designed to address the growing need for accessible eye care services within the community. The overwhelming turnout and positive response underscore the importance of such interventions in i...

Our Focus Is On Addressing The Unique Challenges of Nigeria's Diverse Regions" - Uba Maigari

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The Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, H.E. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, has stated that the Ministry’s priority is addressing the unique challenges facing Nigeria’s diverse regions. He made this remark while receiving the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bambang Suharto, during a courtesy visit on Friday 6th March 2026 at the Ministry’s headquarters. According to the Head of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Sani Datti, said the Minister emphasised that while specialised commissions exist for these regions, the Ministry’s responsibility is to formulate policies and supervise these bodies to ensure they deliver on the mandates assigned by the President. “The President has directed that resources be prioritised based on immediate regional needs. In the North East, for example, we collaborate closely with security agencies to tackle emerging challenges,” the Minister said. “Our priority remains infrastructure, renewable e...

NAHCON, Mashariq Aldhahabiya Move to Streamline Processes Ahead of Hajj - By Shafii Sani Mohammed

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By Shafii Sani Mohammed The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, has reiterated NAHCON's resolve to enhance efficiency in the delivery of pilgrims services by alligning its operations with its Service Provider Company to prevent challenges experienced in 2025. He made this known in Abuja during a strategic meeting with officials of Mashariq Aldhahabiya, led by its Board Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Amin Hassan Andangiri. The Saudi-based firm that will oversees all services provided to Nigerian pilgrims' under Government quota in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Abba mentioned that lessons have been learnt from the challenges recorded in the previous exercise such as data mismatch between flight manifests, contract numbers and accommodation allocations which disrupted smoth processing of pilgrims. Both parties agreed to prioritise strict visa processing timelines, accurate data uplo...

FG Awards Contracts for Key Bridges, Commissions Major Projects in Taraba

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The Federal Government has stepped up infrastructure renewal efforts in Taraba State with the award of contracts for the reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge and the construction of the Bantaje Bridge, both funded by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). In a statement signed by the head of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Sani Datti, said The Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, made this known during a working visit to Taraba State, where he inspected and commissioned several development projects across Jalingo and other local government areas. At the Namnai Bridge site along the Wukari Road, the Minister assessed progress on the ongoing reconstruction of the nine-span, 180-metre bridge, which includes a two-kilometre approach road. The project commenced last month and is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic activity in the area. He also visited the proposed location for the B...

Opinion: How Transparency at NAHCON Turned Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman into a Target

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By Mustapha Muhammad Tukur Illo The recent working visit of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has exposed more than just an attempted financial scandal; it has laid bare the deep resistance to transparency within certain power circles surrounding the Hajj administration. By dismantling a calculated plot to misappropriate billions of naira earmarked for the 2026 Hajj, Professor Usman effectively crossed a red line for those who see public institutions as avenues for personal enrichment. Available facts point to a coordinated attempt by some individuals, working alongside selected service providers, to deliberately downgrade the quality of services meant for Nigerian pilgrims. The plan was simple but sinister: alter existing contractual agreements, cut corners on accommodation, transportation, and welfare, and divert the excess funds into private hands. Had this scheme succeeded, th...

Inside Story: How nahcon Commissioners Allegedly Sold a No-Confidence Vote for Cash.

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What was billed as a principled stand against mismanagement at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria now appears to have been something else entirely: a calculated transaction dressed up as institutional reform  What unfolded at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in recent was presented to the public as an act of conscience. A vote of no confidence. A claim of moral concern. A board rising to defend pilgrims and process. Multiple sources with direct knowledge of events inside the Commission describe a board that did not challenge power but auctioned it. According to these accounts, the move against the Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, known as “Pakistan,” was not driven by governance failures or policy breaches. It was driven by inducement. Sources say a commissioner was at the forefront of the agenda to write the vote of no confidence for the chair after collecting huge sums from a service provider that felt threatened by the chairman and board members...

AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU (GCFR)

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​Your Excellency, ​As the custodian of our national trust and the leader of Nigeria’s reform agenda, we bring to your urgent attention the unfolding crisis behind the scenes at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The battle being fought today is not a mere administrative disagreement; it is a full-scale war launched by "entrenched interest networks" to sabotage any attempt to sanitize pilgrims' funds from systematic looting. ​Your Excellency, in the interest of truth and justice, we present the following technical facts: ​1. The Myth of Individual Responsibility vs. Financial Controls: The current Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, is facing a coordinated character assassination campaign by certain Board members. We must ask: How can the Chairman be solely accused of financial mismanagement when the "Approving Officer" (Commissioner of Finance/PPMF), the Accounts Department, and Internal Audit must all sign off on every transact...

NAHCON Chairman’s Stand for Justice and Pilgrim Welfare Deserves National Support - By Sa'idu Audu

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The integrity of Nigeria’s Hajj operations depends not only on strong policies but also on principled leadership that places the welfare of pilgrims above all other considerations.  In recent developments surrounding the administration of the Hajj, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has continued to demonstrate a firm and consistent commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of pilgrims’ rights. Observers of the process will agree that managing the complexities of Hajj logistics, international coordination, and service delivery requires not only administrative competence but also moral courage.  It is in this context that Professor Usman’s stance against injustice and exploitation stands out as both timely and commendable. From the outset, his position has remained clear and unwavering: 1.He does not tolerate any form of injustice against pilgrims. 2.He does not permit Nigerian pilgrims ...

Civil Society Coalition Calls for Resignation of NAHCON Board Members Over Governance Crisis

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A coalition of civil society organisations has called for the resignation of certain members of the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), citing concerns over governance, accountability, and institutional stability at the Commission. In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Muhammad Nda Auwal, the coalition said it reviewed the ongoing dispute within NAHCON and expressed alarm over the conduct of some Board members, warning that the situation could erode public trust, disrupt Hajj preparations, and damage Nigeria’s international standing. The group stated that Board members who are subjects of ongoing or inherited cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lack the moral authority to sit in judgment over the management of the Commission. According to the statement, unresolved integrity issues undermine the credibility of any oversight role and render allegations against NAHCON’s management questionable. The coalition faulted wh...

Governor Yusuf Commends Kano Police for Swift Arrest of Suspects in Killing of Housewife and Children

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Kano State Police Command for its swift and professional response that led to the arrest of suspects involved in the brutal killing of a housewife and her children in Dorayi Quarters, Kano. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday. Governor Yusuf described the prompt action of the police as a clear demonstration of commitment and courage in protecting the lives and property of the people of Kano State. He said the horrific incident, which claimed the lives of an innocent mother and her children, deeply saddened the state, but the speed with which the suspects were tracked and arrested has restored public confidence in the security agencies. The governor praised the Commissioner of Police and officers involved for deploying intelligence-led operations that led to the breakthrough, stressing that such professionalism must be sustained to deter c...

Kano State Government Announces Schools Resumption Dates

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The Kano State Government has announced the official resumption dates for schools across the state for the commencement of the second term of 2025/2026 academic session. According to the announcement, boarding schools are to resume on Sunday, 18th January 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, 19th January 2026. This directive applies to all public, private, and voluntary schools operating within the state. Parents and guardians of boarding students are advised to ensure that their wards return to school as early as possible and before evening on the stipulated resumption dates to allow for proper settling and preparation for academic activities. Furthermore, all heads of schools and teachers have been directed to ensure that teaching and learning commence on Monday, 19th January 2026, without fail. School proprietors and administrators are expected to put all necessary measures in place to guarantee a smooth and orderly resumption. In a goodwill message, the Com...

ARD AKTH branch set to resume suspended indefinite strike Monday - By Ado Salisu

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The Association of Resident Doctors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (ARD AKTH), Kano, has formally directed it's members to resume the suspended indefinite strike following the failure of federal government to address on the prevailing challenges confronting resident doctors nationwide. The chairman's ARD AKTH chapter, Dr. Aminu Bello Aminu said that following extensive deliberations and in strict alignment with the directive of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the ARD AKTH hereby declares its decision to join the Total and Indefinite Consolidated Strike (TICS 2.0). Speaking with newsmen in Kano, Dr. Aminu said that the strike action is scheduled to commence by 12:00 midnight on Monday, 12th January 2026.  He explained that the decision was not taken lightly. It follows prolonged engagement, repeated assurances, and persistent failure by relevant authorities to address critical welfare, training, and remuneration concerns affecting resident doct...

NAHCON under Scrutiny Over Alleged Rule Violation and Strategic Manipulation By the Commissioner of Operations

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Recent allegations emerging from within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have raised serious concerns about administrative conduct and adherence to due process, particularly involving Commissioner Elegushi.  Multiple internal sources allege that clear directives issued from the Office of the Vice President regarding personnel management have been disregarded, prompting growing unease among staff and stakeholders committed to institutional integrity. According to these accounts, the commissioner is accused of retaining individuals who are no longer eligible for service, including retired staff and a former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in direct contradiction to established civil service regulations and explicit instructions reportedly issued at the highest level of government.  Insiders describe this as a deliberate act that undermines both the authority of the Vice President and the rule-based governance framework guiding federal inst...

NAHCON Commissioner Elegushi Accused of Defying VP’s Directive, Retaining Retired Staff and Ex-Corper

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A fresh wave of controversy is sweeping through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as mounting allegations implicate the Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, in what insiders describe as a brazen disregard for civil service rules, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s explicit directive, and growing tendencies of nepotism and impunity. Multiple senior staff who spoke to this newspaper, fearing reprisals, disclosed that Mr. Elegushi has continued to retain a retired NAHCON official, Mr. Gaffar, who left the service in 2023. Despite having no legal standing within the commission, the retired officer allegedly maintains unrestricted access to official operations and enjoys privileges befitting a serving staff. “He has no portfolio, no official role, yet he attends meetings, travels with the commissioner, and even maintains offices in both Abuja and Saudi Arabia,” one source lamented. “This is a clear violation of the Public Service Rules, and staff confidence i...

Open Letter To President Bola Tinubu On Returning NAHCON To The Coordinating Authority of the SGF

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His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria State House, Abuja Your Excellency, I write as a concerned citizen and Muslim who cares deeply about the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and the reputation of our country. I respectfully urge you to review the current supervisory arrangement of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and return its day to day supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), while keeping it firmly under the Presidency as required by law. This request is about efficiency, productivity, accountability, and the long term stability of Hajj administration in Nigeria. 1. Brief history of Hajj management in Nigeria 1. In 1953, Alhaji Abubakar Imam moved a motion in the Northern House of Assembly for a Nigerian pilgrims office in Jeddah, to protect pilgrims who were facing hardship in Saudi Arabia.  2. Regional Pilgrims Welfare Boards emerged from 1958 in Western Re...